Summerville, SC Slip and Fall Injury Lawyers

Premises Liability Attorneys for Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents in South Carolina.

When you are on someone else’s property, you have the right to expect that the area is free from hazards and there is no risk of injury. Unfortunately, far too many people suffer serious injuries due to the negligence of property owners. While some insurance companies feel that slip and fall accident claims are minor, as experienced Summerville personal injury lawyers we know better. The Steinberg Law Firm is here to help you get fair and equitable compensation for your slip and fall injuries.

One Million People End Up in the ER Due to Slip and Fall Accidents Each Year

Slip and fall accidents are one of the leading causes of emergency room visits nationwide each year. Falls send around eight million people to emergency rooms annually. Around one million, or 12 percent, of those visits are attributed to slip and fall accidents.

In South Carolina, fall-related injuries among adults age 65 and older account for nearly 7,000 hospitalizations and almost 25,000 emergency room visits per year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20 percent of falls result in serious injuries like fractures, spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). In fact, falls are the most common cause of TBIs.

Liability in a Slip and Fall Accident

Slip and fall accidents are also referred to as premises liability claims. This is due to the fact that business and property owners are legally responsible for maintaining reasonably safe premises, including minimizing hazards on the property that could lead to slip and fall accidents. Such accidents are often the result of an owner or property manager’s negligence.

Property owners, which are the people and/or companies that maintain a property, can be held liable for injuries sustained in a slip and fall accident. Negligence can include failing to:
• Warn the public of a slip and fall hazard
• Install and maintain high-traction, safe flooring
• Do routine maintenance on floors and surrounding areas
• Repair defective escalators
• Fix improper or inadequate lighting
• Shovel snow or ice
• Fix loose staircase railings
• Wipe up spills
• Secure or replace loose rugs
• Maintain damaged sidewalks

When a property is open to the public, its owners have a duty of care to ensure the safety of visitors on the premises. There are many things property owners can do to prevent injuries, such as keeping floors clear of hazards, posting clear warnings of known dangers, and providing handrails. If a property owner fails to meet that duty of care, they may be liable for any injuries that occur.

Where Do Slip and Fall Accidents Happen?

Summerville slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere and at any time, usually when you least expect it. However, there are some locations that have a higher likelihood of slip and fall incidents, for instance, airports, restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, shopping malls, and hotels.

Typically, a slip and fall accident takes place when someone loses traction while walking and falls. They may have encountered a hazard such as ice, oil, water, food, or other liquids or debris.

The type of flooring materials used in public property is an important factor in slip and fall cases. Grocery stores and airport flooring are notorious for causing slip and fall accidents. In fact, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has found that flooring directly causes over two million fall injuries each year.

When filing a personal injury claim, be sure to collect evidence related to your fall, including photos of your injuries and the accident location, notes and witness statements. The location of your slip and fall accident is important because it can affect the outcome of a lawsuit. The location determines the damages available, what parties can be named in the lawsuit, the existing liability rules and what other steps are necessary for filing a slip and fall claim.

Common Slip and Fall Injuries

Slip and fall injuries can range from mild to severe. Victims of slip and fall accidents may sustain the following types of injuries:
• Lacerations
• Sprains and strains
• Concussions
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Neck injuries
• Spinal trauma
• Herniated discs
• Broken and/or fractured bones
• Torn muscles
• Ruptured tendons
• Paralysis

Damages Available in a Slip and Fall Accident Claim

Although damages tend to vary with each case, a slip and fall injury victim may be able to obtain compensation in a personal injury lawsuit and claim the following:

• Lost income: present and future
• Medical bills: procedures, tests, rehabilitation etc.
• Accident-related expenses: home healthcare, housekeeping, transportation, etc.
• Pain and suffering: for the harm caused to a victim’s day-to-day life

Wrongful death damages may be awarded if the slip and fall victim dies as a result of their injuries. To obtain fair and equitable compensation for your injuries, you need the assistance of a capable Summerville personal injury attorney to assess the full extent of your losses and advise you of your legal options.

You do not have to deal with insurance companies on your own. They often do not have your best interests in mind, wanting you to settle quickly and for less than what you may receive in court.

How Steinberg Law Firm Can Help With Your Slip and Fall Claim

The Steinberg Law Firm knows just how devastating an unexpected fall can be. If you have been injured, get in touch with us to find out about your legal rights and obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Our Summerville slip and fall lawyers can help you determine who is responsible for your accident. It is not always easy to determine liability in a slip and fall accident claim as there are numerous factors in play, including whether the property owner attempted to fix the dangerous condition and how long the hazard was present without being addressed.

Contact Steinberg Law Firm Today

If you or your family members have suffered a slip and fall accident and sustained serious injuries, make sure to quickly connect with the Steinberg Law Firm. A Summerville slip and fall accident lawyer will assess your case and determine how negligence was a factor in your accident in order to obtain compensation for your injuries.

We are with you every step of the way, from case evaluation to settlement or trial. The Steinberg Law Firm has been voted Best Law Firm in Summerville by readers of the Summerville Journal Scene, so you can rest assured your case will be in good hands. We offer free initial consultations. To learn how we can help you, call 843-720-2800 or contact us through our online form.